Hand stripping is not to keep him cooler or warmer, its completely dependant on when it needs to be done. A stripped coat in the summer offers no more protection than a heavy one and the dog is no more comfortable because of it. As the top coat grows it will become full and thick. Speaking from a Border's owners point of view, I would leave it till it "blows" or starts to part down the centre of his back. Then use finger and thumb to pull it all out. You can use chalk to get a better grip on the coat. You can also use a BLUNT stripping knife, but it must be blunt otherwise the coat will b